
^ How Betk \ 

i Won tke Camp < 

Fire Honor 

Price 25 Cents ./ 




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T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,PnbUsbers,154W.RandolphSt., Chicago 



HOW BETH WON THE 
CAMP FIRE HONOR 

A COMEDY-DRAMA IN TWO ACTS 



LINDSEY BARBEE 

U 
AUTHOR OF 

After the Game," "At the End of the Rainbow/' "The Call of thi 
Colors," "The Call of Wohelo" "The Dream That Came True" 
"The Fifteenth of January," "Her First Scoop" "The King- 
dom of Heart's Content" "The Real Thing After All," 
"Ruth in a Rush," "Sing a Song of Seniors" "The 
Spell O'f the Image," "The Thread of Destiny," 
"Tomorrow at Ten," "A Trial of Hearts," 
"A Wa>tch, a Wallet and a Jack of 
Spa>des" "The Whole Truth," "In 
tlue Colleye Days," "Let's Pre- 
tend — A Book of Chil- 
dren's Plays," etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



HOW BETH WON THE GAMP FIRE HONOR 

CHARACTERS. 

(Named in order of appearance.) 
Ethel {Wahsulah — Little Hailstorm) . .A Wood Gatherer 
Elsie (IVacheewee — Dancing Girl). ..Also a Wood Gatherer 

Miss Jane Who Tells of the Hidden Treasure 

Beth (Lexse — Clover) . .Who Owns Up to Being a Coward 

Clare (Kokokoho — Ozvl) A Torch Bearer 

Irene (Minnefoska — Happy Laughter) A Fire Maker 

Miss Carter {Hnntaznvee — Cedar Maid) 

Guardian of the Camp Fire 

Mandy ' Who Believes in Signs 

Charlotte (Alibamu — Clear-the-Thicket) 

Trne to Her Name 

Olive (Migwan — Quill) Of Literary Aspirations 

Elma A Bit of a Sno-b 

Hazel A Bit of a Fashion Plate 

NiTA A Bit of a Flirt 

The GYPS^' IV Jw Precipitates the Excitement 



Scene: A Summer Camp of the Camp Fire Girls. 



Time — The Present. 



Time of Playing — About One and Three-quarter Hours. 



Act I — The Threat of the Gypsy. Afternoon. 
Act TT — The Finding of the Treasure. Eveninjc:. 



Setting — The Yard of the old Randolph Estate in Virginia. 



COPYRIGHT. 1920, BY LINDSEY BARBEE. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FH^E HONOR 3 

SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. 

Act I — The story of the secret passage and the hidden 
treasure. Betli, while confessing that she is a coward,- ac- 
cepts a wager that she will meet the first emergency with 
true Camp Fire spirit. The advent of the gypsy and the 
subsequent disappearance of Beth. 

Act II — Beth does not return and Mandy is forced to 
tell her story. Amid a bewildering confusion of gypsies; 
caves and kidnappings, a mysterious pounding raises the trap 
door and reveals Beth. The conquest of Fear — the discov- 
ery of the treasure — and the winning of Uta ! 



STORY OF THE PLAY. 

A Camp Fire circle, spending the summer on Miss Jane 
Randolph's Virginia estate, thrills to the story of a secret 
passage that has never been discovered and that contains 
treasure hidden during Civil \\^ar times, and longs to help 
Miss Jane by finding her long-lost money and jewels. Beth, 
confessing that she is a coward, nevertheless enters into 
a compact with some near-by friends that she will meet 
any emergency in true Camp Fire style. These friends, long- 
ing for a joke .and hearing of Beth's aversion to gypsies, 
dress as gypsies, forcibly kidnap her and bear her to an 
old cave not far away where they shut her in. Beth, 
left to her own devices, finds that, after all, courage has 
come to her, and in her investigation of the cave stumbles 
and wrenches loose a part of the rock which reveals an 
opening. On further exploration she finds that the open- 
ing leads to a passage, and following the passage she comes 
upon the hidden treasure and makes her triumphal appear- 
ance through an old trap door in the summer house, just 
as the assembled Camp Fire girls are frantically trying to 
trace her and as the three perpetrators of the joke are break- 
ing the news that their victim has escaped from the cave. 
Beth tells her story, gives Miss Jane a tangible proof that 
the treasure is really in the passage, and, as a reward for 
overcoming fear and making a supreme efifort for another, 
is given the Camp Fire honor of Uta. 



4 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

CHARACTERS ANB COSTUMES. 

The girls are all modern types — gay, attractive and worth 
while — with Clare and Irene a trifle older and more dig- 
nified, Charlotte a little more boyish and Olive serious 
and preoccupied. Miss Carter is of decided poise and 
presence; Miss Jane is sweet and old-fashioned, and 
Mandy, a wide-eyed, easily impressed little darkey of about 
twelve years of age. Elma, Hazel and Nita are superfi- 
cial, afifected and artificial, with a touch of seriousness in 
the latter part of Act II. 

Ethel, Elsie and Beth wear bloomers and middies in 
Act I; Clare, Irene, Miss Carter and Miss Jane are in 
pretty summer gowns ; Charlotte is in khaki outing suit 
and Olive in gingham dress and sunbonnet ; Mandy wears 
a bright-hued calico dress and white apron ; while Emma, 
Hazel and Nita are in very fancy summer clothes, chang- 
ing to gypsy costumes in the latter part of Act I. In Act II, 
Miss Jane, Beth, Mandy, Elma, Hazel and Nita wear 
the same as in Act I. All the others are in Camp Fire cere- 
monial attire. 



PROPERTIES. 

Act I — Summer house with benches ; tree with seat ; rus- 
tic chair and gate. Ouija board for Ethel and Elsie; 
wrist watches for Ethel and Beth ; basket for Beth ; pan 
of apples and knife for Miss Jane ; fancy work for Clare 
and Irene ; money for Elsie ; mail for Charlotte ; copy 
of a Camp Fire magazine for Olive; ring for Elma; flash 
light for Mandy. 

Act II — Flash light and small box for Beth; ring for 
Elma. 

The Wood Gatherers should wear the Wood Gatherer 
ring and have the emblem (logs ready to kindle) on the right 
arm. The Fire Maker should wear the Fire Maker brace- 
let and the emblem (orange and red) on the right arm. The 
Torch Bearer should have the pin and the emblem (touch 
of white). 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP ViRE HONOR 



SCENE PLOT. 



WOODLAND BACKING 



Entrance R. 


_4 Gate l 




Entrance L. 


/ Hedge 


n — ^ 1 


Hedge 
Tree (q) 

Chair □ 


t\ 


// 1 




1 ^ 
ler 

56 


A 


IS m1 




Entrance L. 2 E. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of the stage; C, center; L., left; U. E., 
upper entrance; R. j E., right entrance up stage; up stage, 
away from footlights ; down stage, near footlights. The 
actor is supposed to be facing the audience. 



!IOW BETH WON THE GAMP FIRE HONOR 



Act I. 

Scene: The yard of Miss Jane Randolph's Virginia 
home — just the sort of yard that goes with a large rambling, 
wJiite-pillared southern mansion. Close to its zi/oodland drop 
is a lozv, close-cut hedge tenth a wooden gate at its center. 
At the upper right of stage is an old-fashioned summer- 
house covered with vines, with a wooden bench on either 
side of its wee interior. Dozmi L. is a rustic chair and at 
the left of the gate an old tree with a seat around its trunk 
stands guard. There are entrances at L., at L. 2 E. and 
at R. 

As the curtain rises one first glances at Miss Jane^ as she 
sits in the rustic chair, paring apples. Her hair is just 
touched with gray and in her fresh gingham dress and' ruf- 
fled apron she is as sweet and old-fashioned as one of her 
ozvn wild roses. Ethel and Elsie, deeply engrossed in a 
Ouija board, are seated on the grass, right of center, while 
Beth, intently weaving an Indian basket, occiupies the cen- 
ter of the stage. Off in the summer house, Clare and 
Irene, in dainty summer gowns which contrast sharply 
zvith the middy blouses and bloomers of the three younger 
girls, are busily sewing and chatting together. 

Ethel. Now listen, Ouija. We're asking- about the un- 
derground passage. Do you understand? {As the table 
moves.) It says yes, Elsie. 

Elsie. But where is the underground passage, Ouija? 
{As the table moves.) It's pointing to I. {Silence for a 
moment, then she spells slozvly.), C-E. Do you mean ice, 
Ouija? {As the table moves.) Yes? Well, ice what? 

Ethel {spelling slowly as the table moves). H-O-U — do 
you suppose it's house? Is it house, Ouija? (^.s' the tabic 
moves quickly.) Yes. 

Elsie. Was there an ice-house on this place, Miss Jane ? 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 7 

Miss Jane. There used to be, my dear, but not for many 
years. 

Ethel (excitedly). Then, perhaps, we're on the right 
track. Now, Ouija, tell us where the ice-house used to be? 
(As Elsie hesitates.) What's the matter, Elsie? 

Elsie. I don't believe it meant ice-house, Ethel. You 
see, I was thinking- of a story in which there was an under- 
ground passage from the ice-house — a passage for fugitive 
slaves. 

Ethel. Then you pushed it. 

Elsie. I didn't push it. 

Ethel. It's the same thing. When you think hard about 
something, it's bound to make the table move the way you're 
thinking. 

Elsie. Then why didn't you do some hard thinking of 
your own? 

Ethel. Because I wanted to play fair. 

Elsie. Well, so did I. 

Ethel. Then you should have kept your mind blank. 

Elsie. I can't keep my mind blank and I don't want to 
keep it blank. 

Ethel. In that case you shouldn't try to work Ouija. 

Elsie (pushing the hoard azvay). I zvon't. I'm sick of 
Ouija, anyway. It hasn't told us a single thing we wanted 
to know. 

Beth. And it won't tell you either, if you want to know 
what / think. 

Ethel (crossly). Who wants to know what you think, 
Beth? 

Beth. And what's more, I don't believe that Miss Car- 
ter would approve. I'm sure she wouldn't. 

Clare. What is the trouble? 

Ethel. No trouble at all, Clare. Just Ouija. 

Irene. Well, I should call that trouble enough. I don't 
believe that Miss Carter would approve of your playing 
with that thing, girls. 

Ethel (sarcastically) . Now, Irene, if somebody else will 
tell me that Miss Carter doesn't approve, the third time will 
be the charm. 



8 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Clare. What a stormy creature you are, Ethel ! Now, I 
understand why you chose an Indian name that means ''lit- 
tle hailstorm." 

Ethel. Oh, do you ? Well, perhaps somebody has thought 
it a little funny for you to sound like a soda fountain. Ko- 
kokoho — what a name! 

Irene. Sounds good to me. Coca-cola isn't to be scorned 
on a hot July day. 

Ethel {still blazing). And as to Miss Carter's object- 
ing — I told her about it and she laughed — 

Elsie. And told us it was all right if we had any fun 
out of it. So there. 

Irene. Then we all apologize — profusely and on the 
double-quick. 

Elsie. And anyway, it was chiefly because we wanted 
to help Miss Jane by finding the treasure. Wasn't it, Miss 
Jane ? 

Miss Jane. Of course it was. Though I'm afraid that 
even Ouija can't solve that mystery. Sometimes I wonder 
if, after all, there is a treasure. 

Elsie. Why, what do you mean. Miss Jane? 

Miss Jane {laughingly) . Perhaps I dreamed it all. 

Elsie. You couldn't have dreamed it. 

Miss Jane. But I was a very small child when it hap- 
pened. 

Ethel. Aren't you certain about the underground pas- 
sage ? 

Miss Jane. My mother had been told of its existence, 
but only my father and my brother knew the exact location. 

Ethel. But there was a treasure ! 

Miss Jane. If you call family silver — and a few jewels 
— a treasure. 

Irene. I am dying of curiosity, Miss Jane. What is this 
underground passage — and the treasure? 

Clare. Oh, I forgot that you missed the story, Irene. 
Please tell her. Miss Jane. It sounds like a bit of romance. 

Irene. Oh, please! 

Miss Jane. It isn't much of a story, my dear. 

Irene. Anything with a secret passage must be a story. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 9 

Miss Jane. This passage had no special romantic sig- 
nificance. It was just a hiding place for what jewels and 
silver we possessed. 

Irene. During the war? 

Miss Jane. During the war. We had to conceal many 
things from the Yankees of that time. 

Irene. But did the Yankees find the hiding place? 

Miss Jane. Not to our knowledge. But, my father and 
my brother were killed — almost immediately — and they alone 
knew the secret. 

Irene. But — your mother — 

Miss Jane. She has never been able to discover just 
where the passage is. 

Irene. You've hunted ? 

Miss Jane. Everywhere. Perhaps the enemy found it, 
after all. {To Ethel.) What time is it, my dear? 

Ethel {as she glances at her watch). Four, Miss Jane. 

Miss Jane. Dear me ! Cook will be quite ready for these 
apples. 

Elsie {rising). Let me take them in for you. 

Miss Jane. But I'm on duty myself. 

Beth. I wish you'd stay. 

Miss Jane. You fascinating Camp Fire girls make me 
play truant too often. {Rises.) I'll promise to come later if 
I may. 

Clare. If you may! We insist. And tonight we'll be in 
ceremonial attire — so you can't afford to miss us. 

Miss Jane. I can never afford to miss you. Don't I 
prove it by eternally dogging your footsteps? {Exit L. 

2E.) 

Beth. Isn't she a dear? {Pauses.) And to think that all 
those things are hidden — somewhere — and nobody knows 
the place. 

Ethel. Silver and jewels would bring a lot of money. 

Beth. And I wonder if she needs the money very much. 

Clare. I'm sure she does. Miss Carter told me that the 
estate had dwindled until she depends entirely upon her 
summer boarders for an income. 



10 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Irene. Weren't we fortunate "to find such a place for 
our camp? 

Clare. Camp! A pretty luxurious camp, I call it. That 
beautiful old house for a home and such food as one dreams 
of ! I never want to leave. 

Miss Carter enters from L. during above speech. She is 
the type of the ideal guardian of a Camp Fire — just enough 
dignity and poise, balanced by an ever-present humor and 
understanding — to make her altogether charming. 

Miss Carter {laughing). Then you must be satisfied 
with my choice of a camp. {As they rise.) Sit down, my 
Indian warriors. It's much too warm for any unnecessary 
effort. {As she seats herself at the tree the girls assume 
their former positions.) 

Irene. How did you happen to hear of this place, Miss 
Carter? 

Miss Carter. Through a friend who knows Miss Jane 
very well. I felt that it would be an ideal spot for a Camp 
Fire outing, would relieve us of our domestic routine and 
would at the same time — help her. 

Beth. I wish we could really help her, Miss Carter. 
{Pauses.) If we could find what is hidden away, it would 
be a real help, wouldn't it ? 

Miss Carter. It would, indeed. But we can't rely upon 
the tradition of that hidden treasure — for it may be just a 
story, after all. 

Beth. It can't be. Miss Jane's mother told her. 

Miss Carter. But she may have misunderstood. Re- 
member that those were trying days. 

Beth. Just the same, I wish / might find it. 

Miss Carter. Then, why don't you? 

Beth. I? If Why, Miss Carter, you don't mean that? 

Miss Carter. Why not? 

Beth. You know that I'm a coward, (^^s- Miss Carter 
protests.) Oh, yes, you do. I've told you how I'm afraid of 
the dark — and thunder — and lightning— and mice! 

Miss Carter. That's no way for a Wood Gatherer to 
talk. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 11 

Beth. Oh, I know that it isn't — but I can't help it. Why, 
Miss Carter, if I should happen to find that passage and 
knew that I could' lay my hands on the treasure, I'd never 
have the courage to stir a foot. The dark — the cold — the 
rats — (shudders) Ugh! 

Miss Carter (leaning fonmrd and taking Beth's bas- 
ket). What is your symbol, dear? 

Beth. A clover leaf — that's the meaning of my Indian 
name, you know. (Sighs.) It ought to be a white feather. 

Miss Carter (as she hands it back). Nonsense. It's the 
prettiest kind of a design and the prettiest kind of a name. 
Suppose you make the three leaves symbolize Work — Health 
— and Love. 

Beth. Instead of standing for Coward — Yellow-streak 
— and Fraidy-cat. (Cheerfully.) I'll try to live up to my 
name. 

Miss Carter. Every true Camp Fire girl should try to 
live up to her name. I've always desired above all things 
to be like my cedar tree — faithful and enduring. 

Clare. And you are. Who is better able to judge than 
your own girls? (Pauses.) And I sound like a soda foun- 
tain. I'm told. 

Miss Carter (laughing). This is rather discouraging to 
one who has aimed for the wisdom of the owl, isn't it? 
Never mind, Clare. 

Clare. I don't. (With a side glance at Irene.) Even 
when contrasted with Happy Laughter. 

Irene. Isn't that a decorative term for my giggle? 

Elsie (rising and running to Miss Carter). No danger 
of my not living up to my name, is there, Miss Carter? 
(Stands at her right.) 

Miss Carter. Dancing Girl ! Hardly. Sometimes I won- 
der if your feet haven't the little wings of Hermes all hid- 
den away from mortal sight. 

Elsie. Maybe they have. 

Ethel (rising and running to Miss Carter's left). And 
I don't want to live up to my name. 

Miss Carter (laughing). Little Hailstorm! Why not? 

Ethel. It isn't exactly complimentary. 



12 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Miss Carter. But a hailstorm fs exceedingly useful. 

Ethel. How? 

Miss Carter. Doesn't it usually stir up things? {Looks 
around.) Where's Migwan the Quill? 

Clare. Gone for the mail. 

Miss Carter. Alibamu? 

Clare. She went, too. 

Elsie. There's a proper name for a Wood Gatherer. 
Clear-the-thicket. 

Ethel. Don't like it. Alibamu makes me think of the 
Forty Thieves. 

Elsie. And Olive certainly overdoes the Quill business. 
There's no use in being literary morning, noon and night. 

Miss Carter {glancing at her zvatch). It's time that 
they were back. 

Beth. Perhaps they stopped at the hotel. Three of our 
friends have just registered for the summer. 

Clare. A modern, up-to-date hotel seems out of place 
in this lovely quiet spot. Why did they build it here. Miss 
Carter, and just a stone's throw from us? 

Miss Carter. Just because it is such a lovely, quiet spot, 
I suppose. 

Clare. But, as a rule, summer hotel people do not care 
for Mother Nature. 

Miss Carter. Perhaps this is the exception. 

Irene. Ceremonials tonight, Miss Carter? 

Miss Carter. Right here. {As she looks around.) 
You're keeping the special honors in mind, I hope. 

Ethel. Keeping them in mind? Well, rather. 

Elsie. It's working up to them that counts. 

Beth. Name them over again, Miss Carter. Not that 
I expect to get any of them. {Sighs.) Being a coward is 
such a handicap. 

Miss Carter. Well, there's the honor called Uta. That 
stands for effort — real effort. 

Beth. Such as trying to be brave when you are shaking 
in your boots? 

Miss Carter. Exactly. Then there's Keda — that means 
think hard. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 13 

Ethel. Oh, dear ! What chance for wisdom have we 
when there's a wise old owl in our midst ! 

Clare. Don't be foolish, Ethel. What's the next, Miss 
Carter ? 

Miss Carter. Shuta — to create. 

Elsie. Create — zvhat? 

Miss Carter. That's for each one of you to determine. 

Irene. And the last one ? 

Miss Carter. Wakan. Inspiration. 

Beth. I don't exactly understand. 

Miss Carter. Inspiration we may give to each other or 
be to each other. If we watch for it tonight we shall find 
it— 

Clare {quickly). In the Camp Fire circle. Isn't it true, 
Miss Carter? 

Miss Carter. Spoken like a true Torch Bearer. 

Irene. There will be a moon tonight. 

Beth. Thunder moon for July. And it's copper colored. 

Ethel. Gorgeous ! 

Beth. And there'll be the red gypsy star of Aldebaran. 

Miss Carter. The gypsy star makes me think of the 
gypsy band. 

Ethel. I'd love to see a real gypsy band. 

Miss Carter. But that is just what you must not do. 
For there is one near by. 

Ethel. Real gypsies ? . 

Miss Carter. Real gypsies. Promise me you won't go 
near their camp. 

Clare. Of course we promise. But why. Miss Carter? 

Miss Carter. They are not very reliable citizens, my 
dear. 

Beth. Would they kidnap us? 

Miss Carter {laughing). Perhaps. 

Beth. Then I'll stay close to camp. 

At this moment Mandy appears from R., every tight pig- 
tail in place and an expansive grin as she beholds the girls. 

Miss Carter. And as long as you stay in camp you're 
safe. Everybody is having so beautiful a time that nothing 
must mar it. 




14 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Clare (laughing). Why, l&iss Carter, you look posi- 
tively frightened. Cheer up — nothing will happen. 

Miss Carter (rising). Of course nothing will happen. 
(Elsie and Ethel return to their former positions and 
pick up the Ouija board.) 

Mandy (at gate). Land sakes. Miss Cyahtah. Ain't 
you gwine rap wood arter sayin' datf 

Miss Carter (turning). Why, Mandy — you startled me. 

Mandy. Ain't you gwine rap wood. Miss Cyahtah? Fur 
jes' as sure as you don't, somethin' is gwine to happen. 

Miss Carter. Nonsense, Mandy. Camp Fire girls don't 
believe in things like that. And what good could come of 
rapping wood? 

Mandy (in a sepulchral tone). It breaks de charm. 

Miss Carter. We don't believe in that sort of charm, do 
we, girls? Our charm depends upon such things as work 
and health and love. (As she goes to L. 2 E.) I've a letter 
to write so I'll see you all later. (Exit.) 

Elsie. Sit down, Mandy, and make yourself at home. 
(Mandy seats herself by tree.) 

Ethel. What makes you so solemn? 

Mandy. I'se jes' been to de lane whar de ha'nts is. 

Beth. Hants? What are they? 

Mandy. Ghosties. 

Beth. Good gracious! I didn't know that you had them 
here. 

Clare. Don't be silly, Beth. (Hesitatingly, after a 
pause.) Whose ghost is it, Mandy? 

Mandy. It's ol' Marse. An' he's huntin' fur all dat stuflf 
dat he done hid away. 

Beth (in a reliez'ed tone). Then he doesn't need me to 
help him. 

Elsie (severely). 'There's no such thing as a ghost, 
Mandy. 

Mandy. Ain't you never felt de col' air hit you suddent 
like, Miss Elsie? 

Elsie, Well, — y-e-s — 

Mandy (impressively). Dat's de ha'nts a-passin' — de 
ha'nts ! 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 15 

Ethel (shuddering). Ugh! 

Mandy (pointing to the Onija board). What's dat dar 
H'l table? 

Elsie. It moves — and answers questions — and — 

Mandy (eagerly). Sperrits? 

Beth. O-h-h! Let's talk about something else. (Holds 
out basket.) See my pretty basket. 

Mandy (as she takes it). Lan' sakes, Miss Beth, what 
you want wid three leaf clovers? 

Beth. Because it's my name and my sign. 

Mandy. Why ain't you makin' it four leaf? Den it would 
bring you luck. (Hands back the basket.) 

Beth. I don't need any particular luck. 

Mandy (significantly). Oh — don't yon \ 

Beth. What do you mean? 

Mandy. I seed you walk under a ladder dis mornin'. 

Beth. Well, what of it? 

Mandy. Ain't you never heard dat it brings bad luck to 
walk under a ladder? 

Beth. Always? 

Mandy. Of co'se. 

Beth (nervously) . Isn't there any way of breaking such 
a charm? 

Mandy. Not 'less a black cat runs in front of you. 

Irene (rising). I never heard such nonsense. Come on, 
Clare. Let's take our walk, now that it's cooled off a bit. 
(Walks to C.) 

Clare (rising). Coming! 

Irene (as she turns back). Just a moment! I've forgot- 
ten my thimble. 

Mandy (shrieking). Don't do dat, Miss Renie — don't 
do dat! 

Irene. For pity's sake, Mandy, what's the matter now? 

Mandy (rocking back and forth). Ain't you got better 
sense'n to turn back arter you've started? 

Irene (recovering her thimble). You get on my nerves. 
(To Clare, ivho has strolled to L. 2 E.) Wait, Clare. 
(Hurries to her and they go out together.) 



16 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Beth. We don't believe ki signs and superstitions, 
Mandy, we Camp Fire girls. 

Mandy. Real Injuns do. 

Beth. But we're not real Indians — and- — anyway — well, 
we just don't — that's all. (After a pause.) Has anybody 
ever seen that ghost — down there? (With a movement of 
her hand.) 

Mandy. Well, I reckon they has. Jes' a week ago— 

Charlotte and Olive appear at L., Charlotte in khaki 
outing suit is jolly and boyish in manner. Olive, in gingham 
dress, has the preoccupied look of a budding genius. Each 
carries a bundle of mail. 

Elsie (as she catches sight of the newcomers). Oh, 
there come the girls! Any mail for me, Charlotte? (Elsie, 
Ethel and Beth crozvd around Charlotte as she comes 
through the gate and zvalks slozvly doztm stage.) 

Charlotte. Watch out there — don't grab. Here's a pa- 
per for you, Elsie, and a letter for Ethel. (Hands them 
out.) No — nothing for you, Beth. 

Beth (as she turns azvay). Oh dear — oh dear — oh dear! 

Charlotte. All these are for the others. Here, Mandy 
— take them in for me. (Mandy jHses reluctantly.) Oh, 
come now! If you'll do this for me I'll give you that string 
of beads you want — 

Mandy. Hones'. Miss Ch'lotte? 

Charlotte. Honest to goodness. (As Mandy takes the 
papers and letters.) That's a good sport. Keep on doing 
errands and you may get to be a Wood Gatherer. 

Mandy. Don' wan' to be any mo' of a Wood Gatherer 
dan I is now. 

Charlotte. Then you'll never be a Camp Fire girl. 

Mandy. Don' wan' to be no play Injun. 

Charlotte. Well, that'll be all right with us. (Seats 
herself by tree a j- Mandy goes slozvly off L. 2 E.) 

Ethel. Come on in, Olive, and make yourself comfort- 
able. 

Olwe (dramatically as she leans over the gate). I've 
news! 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 17 

Beth. What kind of news? (Runs to her right.) 

Olive. Wonderful news ! 

Ethel. Tell us. {Joins Beth.) 

Olive. Guess ! 

Elsie {running to her left). The treasure has been found ! 

Olive. More important than that. 

Ethel. The hotel's on fire ! 

Olive. Don't be silly. 

Beth. Well, tell us, then. Come on, Charlotte, and hear 
the news. 

Charlotte {zvho in the meantime has been visibly bored). 
Don't bother about me. I've heard it every minute of every 
step since we left the post office. 

Ethel. How silly of you to keep us in suspense. 

Olive. Then — look! {Holds out copy of a Camp Fire 
magazine.) 

Elsie. Well, what's so strange about that ? 

Beth {examining it). The cover hasn't changed any. 

Olive {significantly) . But the inside has — 

Ethel. Naturally. It's a new number, isn't it? 

Olive. Can't — you— guess — what — I mean? 

Beth {suddenly). Oh, Olive! Not — really? 

Olive. Really. 

Elsie. You're not telling us that — that — {takes the mag- 
azine). 

Olive. But I am. 

Ethel. Your story's printed — actually printed? 

Olive. Just look and see. 

(Ethel, Elsie and Beth eagerly examine the magazine. 
Charlotte looks still more bored.) 

Beth. There's her name — big as life — Olive Parr Miller. 

Charlotte {sharply). Didn't expect her to use a nom 
de plume, did you? 

Olive {complacently). Lots of authors do. 

Charlotte. Of course they do! 

Ethel {pointing). And it's about -w.?. Look, Beth. 
There's my name. 

Elsie. And mine, too. {After a pause.) Oh — we're all 
here. 



18 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Charlotte. But not easily»recognized. 

Olive (sharply). Now what do you mean by that? 

Charlotte. Only this, my dear — that our very ordinary 
characteristics are magnified until they become downright 
charms. 

Elsie. Then we'll sit right down and read every single 
bit. (Comes dozvn stage followed by Beth and Ethel.) 

Charlotte. No, you won't. Company is on its way. 

Ethel. Company? 

Charlotte. Your three particular pals over at the hotel 
are descending upon you. 

Ethel. Really? 

Charlotte. Really. They should be almost here by this 
time. (Rises, comes to gate and looks off L.) They are. 
Some guests, too. High-heeled slippers, fluffy rufiles and 
picture hats. (Opens gate.) Come on, old pal. (Pulls 
Olive inside.) We're better in the background. 

Olive (protesting as Charlotte pushes her tozuard L. 
2 E.). But— Charlotte— 

Charlotte. Never mind^the story '11 wait. (Turns.) 
Now don't let those paper dolls get the best of you, but 
stand up for the Camp Fire. (Charlotte and Olive go 
off at L. 2 E.) 

Ethel. What does she mean? 

Elsie. Warning us, I suppose, that we must not allow 
them to criticise. (Spitefully.) Elma is a snob. 

Ethel. Nita thinks of nothing but boys. 

Beth. And Hazel is a fashion plate. (Laughs.) Dear 
me, aren't we a set of cats ! 

Elsie. No wonder that Charlotte tells us to stand up 
for the Camp Fire, (As Hazel, Nita and Elma appear at 
L.) Hush — here they are. 

Three visions in dainty summer apparel put to shame the 
camp outfits of the hostesses. Large fiozver-laden hats, 
many ruMes and rainbow parasols add to the glory of the 
occasion. 

Beth (running to the gate and opening it). Welcome to 
the Camp Fire ! 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 19 

Ethel (following). And to the Camp Fire girls. 
Elsie. And to the Camp Fire good times. 

Chattering and exchanging greetings, the six girls crowd 
through tJie gate and come down stage. 

Elsie {drawing Hazel to the tree). We'll sit here, Hazel. 

Ethel. Then Nita and I shall take the summer house. 
{They cross.) 

Beth {coming to front of stage). And Elma and I will 
sit here on the grass. {As Elma hesitates.) You don't 
mind, do you, Elma? {Sits.) 

Elma {unenthusiastically as she follozvs suit). N-o-o, I 
guess not. Just so it doesn't hurt my dress. 

Beth. It won't. 

Elma. Of course it won't hurt yours. {Critically.) 
Don't you ever dress for dinner? 

Beth {cheerfully). Not unless we wish. And we sel- 
dom wish. 

Hazel {looking around). Isn't it primitive here? 

Elsie. Depends on what you call primitive. 

Hazel. Well — countryfied. 

Elsie. I'd call it country-ish — not countryfied. 

Hazel. I don't see the difference. 

Elsie {after a pause). No — you wouldn't see. 

Nita. Don't you ever see a boy ? 

Ethel. Lots of them — if we wish. But — as Beth says 
— we seldom wish. 

Elma. All this outdoor stuff — and Indian names — and 
ceremonial meetings sound silly. 

Beth. I suppose it does — to you. 

Elma. What good does it do? 

Beth. Well, for one thing — {points) — what kind of a 
bird is that? 

Elma {pettishly). How should I know? 

Beth. Well, we do know — thanks to the Camp Fire. 
And we know lots of other things about the woods, the flow- 
ers and the big out-of-doors. 

Ethel. And look at us ! We're so healthy that it hurts — 
thanks to the Camp Fire. 



20 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

NiTA. Well, we're healthy, to©. 

Elsie. Not exactly in the same way. We don't know 
what nerves are — and we'd be utterly disgraced if we ever 
had a headache. 

Ethel. And we learn to depend upon ourselves — and 
not to be afraid of anything that comes our way. 

Elma. Well — Beth certainly must have changed. She 
used to be the biggest coward in the crowd. 

Beth. I'm not really brave, yet — but the Camp Fire is 
helping me. 

Elma. How silly ! I'd like to give you the big scare of 
your life and see how much the Camp Fire has to do with it. 

Beth. You always could think of nice things to do for 
people, Elma. 

Elsie (hastily). Well, how do you pass your time? 

NiTA. Oh, we ride — and motor — and play bridge — and 
then there are the dances. 

Hazel. Last night we had a picnic. 

Ethel {enthusiastically) . Out on the river bank? And 
did you make your own fire and cook your own bacon? 

Hazel. Certainly we didn't. The hotel chef put up our 
lunch and we went to a little cave to eat it. 

Beth. That's no picnic. It's just eating your supper out 
of doors. 

Elsie. Not even out of doors. Why on earth did you 
choose a cave? 

Hazel. Because we wanted it. It's a cunning cave — and 
it's just up the road a bit. 

Beth. Then it's Miss Jane's cave — right here on her 
land. 

Hazel. I suppose it is. Don't you ever go there? 

Ethel. Of course we've seen it — but we'd rather be out 
of doors — and tramp around. 

NiTA. And act like a lot of gypsies. You ought to join 
the crowd that's camping in the valley back of the hotel. 

Beth {eagerly). Have you seen them? 

NiTA. Why of course we have. They sell things at the 
hotel — and tell fortunes — and — 

Beth. You've talked to them ? 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 21 

NiTA. Why not? They're horrid, dirty creatures but 
they're interesting. 

Beth. I'd be scared to death if one of them even spoke 
to me. 

Elma. Oh — would you? I thought that the Camp Fire 
was making you so brave and so self-reHant that you 
couldn't be afraid of anything. 

Beth. It is. (Pauses.) And I'm going to prove it. 

Elma. How ? 

Beth. By meeting the next emergency according to 
Camp Fire teaching. 

Elma. But you won't. Just wait until the scare comes 
and you'll be the same old Beth. 

Beth. Try me and see. 

Elma. I wish I coitldl (Suddenly.) But I know what 
I can do. 

Beth. And what's that? 

Elma. Wager my new ring that you haven't nerve 
enough to meet the emergency. 

Beth (catching her hand and looking closely at the ring). 
It's a sporting chance — and a good-looking ring. I'll take 
both. 

Elsie. What a silly wager ! What will you call an emer- 
gency, Elma, and how will you know whether Beth meets 
it or not ? 

Elma. I'll know all right. (Rises.) Come along, girls 
we've made our call and must be off. (Beth rises.) 

NiTA. But I'm not ready to go — I'm not ready at all. 

Hazel. And I haven't begun to tell all I had to tell. 

Elma. Can't help it. It's almost dinner time. 

NiTA. But it's not five minutes walk to the hotel. We've 
loads of time. (Rises reluctantly.) 

Elma. Not for what I want to say to you. I've a plan 
— a perfectly corking plan — and I want to find out if you 
people approve. 

Elsie. But aren't we in the plan ? 

Elma. I shouldn't wonder. 

Ethel. Then talk it over right here. 



22 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Elma. But it's to to be a surprise — and it will show you 
that Camp Fire girls haven't a monopoly upon all the ideas. 

Elsie. Oh, come now, Elma, who said anything about a 
monopoly of ideas? 

Elma. You act it just the same. (Catches Hazel's hand 
and pulls her to the gate.) Come along- — please. 

Hazel (as they pass through the gate). I don't want 
to go — but you see how it is. 

Elsie (folloming). No — I don't see. 

Ethel (who has crossed with Nita). And if it were 
not for the perfectly corking plan which is to be shared with 
us — 

Elma. Perhaps — 

Ethel. Perhaps, then — I'd be downright cross with the 
whole lot of you. 

Nita (passing tJirough the gate). Count me out, Ethel, 
for I don't want to go a bit. 

Elsie. Then won't you come back soon — very soon — 
and make up for it? 

Nita. I'll try. (Calling "goodbye'' and zvaving their 
hands, the three go off at L. zvith the excited Elma in the 
lead.) 

Elsie (thoughtfully). Well, for an abrupt and unex- 
pected departure that certainly can't be equalled. 

Ethel. Elma has something up her sleeve — you may de- 
pend on it. {Joins Beth.) Why on earth did you enter 
into that ridiculous wager? 

Beth. Why shouldn't I? It isn't pleasant to have one's 
cowardice publicly announced. 

Elsie. Any more than it's safe to let Elma get the upper 
hand. 

Beth (pettishly). Wait till she gets the upper hand. 

And immediately a strange silence and gloom seems to 
descend upon them as they seat themselves listlessly at the 
front of the stage. Perhaps it is just the inevitable zveari- 
ness that follows a busy day ; it may be the memory of pic- 
ture hats, high heels and fluffy ruffles; but, zvhatever the 
cause, its effect is evident. And as they sit in quiet con- 
templation, a Gypsy enters at R. — so stealthily that her pres- 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 23 

euce is not knoivn. She is a pretty gypsy — a picturesque 
gypsy — and her gay skirt, scarf and beads lack the tazvdri- 
iiess zirJiich is often characteristic of the zvandering tribe.) 

Ethel (sighing). It ztjould be a change to wear some- 
thing more ornamental than a middy blouse. 

Elsie. And it would be heai'enly to dance tonight. 

Beth. Oh, if something exciting would only happen! 

The Gypsy (zvJio is leaning over the gate, smilingly re- 
garding them). Shall I tell you what the future holds? 
{TJie girls rise in alarm as she conies through the gate.) 
Cross my palm with silver and all my secrets will be yours. 
(Beth and Elsie zvithdrazv to R.} 

Ethel (zvith an attempt at composure). What — do — 
you want? 

The Gypsy (holding out hand). Your hand. 

Ethel. But I have no money. 

The Gypsy (zvheedlingly). Just a piece of silver! 

Beth (pulling Ethel to her). Miss Carter wouldn't ap- 
prove. 

Ethel. We're not disobeying. She came to us — and it's 
fun. 

Elsie. And I've never had my fortune told. 

Beth. Please don't, Elsie. 

Elsie. You're scared — that's what's the matter with you. 

Ethel. Be a sport. 

Beth. I won't. 

Elsie. Then I will. (Draws coin from pocket). Here, 
Ethel, I have a quarter — do you suppose she will take thatf 

Ethel (taking the money and turning). Will a quarter 
do? 

The Gypsy (smiling). Cross my palm. (As Ethel 
places the coin in her hand. The Gypsy drazvs her dozvn be- 
side her and looks steadily at her palm.) 

Ethel (squirming). Hurry up I 

The Gypsy (in a droning tone). Flowers — birds — the 
open sky — you love them all — 

Ethel (eagerly). Yes — oh, yes! 

The Gypsy. And yet — when the flowers are brightest, 
they droop their heads ; when the birds are gayest they cease 



24 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

their song ; when the sky is bluest there comes a cloud — and 
then — ( hesitates) — 

Ethel. Yes? 

The Gypsy. The hailstorm ! 

Ethel (curiously). How do you know my name? 

The Gypsy (shaking head). I know only your fate. 
Into the sunshine the hailstorm — 

Ethel. What do you mean? 

The Gypsy. Skies are very blue, little lady — while they 
last; flowers are very beautiful — until they fade. 

Ethel (drawing away her hand). I don't like to hear 
you say these things — 

The Gypsy. 'Tis the lines in your hand that say them — 

Ethel. Then — read between the lines. (Offers her hand 
again.) 

The Gypsy (dreamily). The ocean — a ship — you're go- 
ing to take a long journey. 

Ethel. What else? 

The Gypsy. I see strange people — strange lands — 

Ethel. Yes — yes — and — (hesitatingly) . Do you see the 
man I'm going to marry? 

The Gypsy (dropping her hand, shrugging her shoulders 
and laughing craftily). Another coin for that, little lady! 

Elsie (pushing Ethel to one side). It's rny time, any- 
way. 

The Gypsy (as she takes Elsie's hand and bends over it). 
Watch your steps. 

Elsie. Good gracious! 

The Gypsy. They may carry you into forbidden ways. 

Elsie. But they are dancing steps. 

The Gypsy. Dancing steps won't take you to the end of 
your journey. 

Elsie (in disgust). Is that all you see in my hand? 

The Gypsy. That's all — except the pleasant times and 
pretty things that friends and money can give. 

Elsie (as she rises). Well, that isn't much of a fortune. 
Your turn, Beth. 

Beth (violently shaking her head). No. 

Ethel. Go on, Beth. She can't hurt you. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 25 

The Gypsy. Is the little lady afraid? 

Beth. No, I'm not afraid. 

The Gypsy. Then — come. 

Beth. But I don't want to come. I won't. 

The Gypsy. If you won't come to fortune — misfortune 
may come to you. 

Beth. What do you mean? 

The Gypsy (rising and slowly backing to gate). Some- 
thing's going to happen, little lady — something's going to 
happen. 

Beth. You must not say such things to me — you must 
not. 

The Gypsy (as she passes through the gate). You're 
afraid — you're afraid! (Her expression changes, her 
wheedling tone goes and she speaks angrily). And you're 
too good to touch a gypsy, are you? Then watch out, I tell 
you — watch out! (As she passes out at R., leaving three 
very frightened maidens behind her.) 

Ethel. Now you've done it, Beth. 

Beth. I've done nothing. 

Elsie. That's just it. If you had acted sensibly, there 
wouldn't have been all this trouble. 

Beth. But I didn't like her — and you shouldn't have let 
her in. 

Ethel. Let her in? She just came. 

Elsie (thoughtfully) . But I don't think that she gave us 
a quarter's worth of fortune, do you? 

Ethel. Well — she called me hailstorm. 

Beth. She did not. She just happened to mention a 
hailstorm. 

Ethel. Same thing. Then she told me about a long, long 
trip — and we are planning to go to Europe, you know. 

Beth. They always tell that. (Pauses.) Anyway, I don't 
think that Miss Carter would have approved. 

Ethel. Well, it's too late to bother about that. And I 
don't see what harm there was in listening. (Pauses.) She 
was certainly mad at you, Beth. 

Elsie (putting an arm about her shoulder). You're not 
worrying over what she said to you — are you, Beth ? 



2(i HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Beth. No, of course nof. 

Elsie. For she was just trying to pay you back for not 
giving her another quarter. (Pauses.) I still think that w^ 
didn't get a quarter's worth of fortune. / 

Ethel (yawning). Well, let's argue it out in the hou^e. 
I want to rest a bit before supper. " ' 

Enter Mandy from L. 2 E. 

Mandy. Miss Jane say who gwine to Miss Smith's fui; 
de eggs. U 

Beth. Good gracious! I promised to do that very thing' 
— and I forgot all about it. 

Elsie. No wonder — after all the excitement of the after- 
noon. 

Beth. So run on, the two of you, and I'll do the errand 
right away. 

Ethel. It's a good mile over to the Smiths — you'll have . 
to hurry if you want to get back' by supper-time. 

Beth (^as Ethel and Elsie pass out L. 2 E.). I'll] 
hurry. (Starts to gate.) 

Mandy. Wait jes' a moment. Miss Beth. 

Beth (turning). What is it? 

Mandy (at C). Look! (Draws flash light from dress.) 

Beth (coming to her). Mandy! My flash light! Where 
did you find it? 

Mandy. Way under de lilac bush. 

Beth. Right beneath my window? (Mandy nods.) 
Then it rolled off my window sill. 

Mandy. What you gwine give me. Miss Beth, fur findin' 
it? 

Beth. Most anything you want, Mandy — 'cause I'm 
pretty glad to have this again. 

Mandy. 'Fraid of de dark, Miss Beth? 

Beth. Sometimes, Mandy. 

And while they are talking, Three Gypsies, zuhose float- 
ing scarfs and shazvls almost hide their faces, creep stealthily 
from R., quietly open the gate and approach -Beth and 
Mandy, zi^ose hacks are toward them. As Beth turns, a 
hand is placed over her mouth, she is blindfolded, and two 



HOW BETH WON THE CAAfP EIRE HONOR 27 

of the gypsies, in spite of her struggles, push her tlirougJi tJie 
gate. Mandy, zvho is paralysed ivith terror, is held firmly 
in the grasp of the third marauder. 

Third Gypsy (m a lozv tone). You haven't seen a thing 
and you haven't heard a thing. Do you understand f (Mandy 
tries to speak.) And if you dare to tell, we'll get you — we'll 
get you sure. Nom — will you promise? 

(And Mandy's head nods violently up and down as the 
curtain descends.) 

Curtain. 



Act II. 



Scene: Same as Act I — later on. It is early tzvilight, 
yet light enough to distinguish figures clearly. As the cur- 
tain rises, Clare, Irene, Charlotte, Olive, Ethel and 
Elsie, in Camp Fire ceremonial garb, are dancing to the 
accompaniment of their ozmi weird and monotonous chant 
of an Indian song. As the last note dies away, they sink 
exhausted on the ground in a semi-circle. 

Ethel. Even if the sun has gone down, it's still too hot 
for any violent exercise. 

Elsie. I wish we had planned this ceremonial for later 
on — much later on when the moon is up. 

Charlotte. Miss Carter intends to wait until it is quite 
dark, I believe. 

Olive. Well, if Beth doesn't return pretty soon, it will 
be midnight before we have a chance to begin. 

Irene. Where can she be ? It isn't like Beth to linger on 
any errand. 

Clare. And the Smith family is not so attractive that 
she would enjoy a prolonged visit with its members. 

Ethel. She said she'd hurry — and she surely ought to 
be back by this time. 

Elsie. Remember that we had an early supper. 

Ethel. But it took us quite a while to put on our cere- 
monials and — well, even so — she ought to be here. 



28 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Olive. Surely nothing coul(f have happened to her. It's 
a straight path over the hill and everybody uses it. 

Charlotte. Just the same, I think Miss Carter is wor- 
ried. 

Irene. I know she is. I heard her ask the gardener's 
little son to ride his v^heel over to Smith's and to hurry. 

Clare. Could she have stopped at the hotel v^ith the 
girls ? 

Ethel. In those clothes ? Not much. 

Elsie. And especially after she had that disagreement 
with Elma. 

Charlotte. Anyway, Beth would never miss ceremoni- 
als if she could help it. (Pauses.) I'm rather worried my- 
self. 

Clare. Dear me! I hope she didn't wander near that 
gypsy camp Miss Carter mentioned. 

Ethel. Gypsy camp! (Looks at Elsie.) Oh! 

Elsie. Oh, Ethel — do you suppose that — the gypsy — 
really could — oh, I never thought of that! 

Irene. Thought of what ? 

Elsie. Tell her, Ethel. 

Ethel. No — you — 

Elsie. I won't. 

Charlotte. Now, look here — something's wrong and 
somebody knows something she ought to tell. Out with it ! 

Clare. Has it anything to do with the gypsy camp? 

Ethel. No — not exactly. 

Irene. Then why did you mention a gypsy? 

Elsie. Honest to goodness — it wasn't our fault. 

Charlotte. What wasn't your fault? 

Elsie. The gypsy. 

Olive. Then there was a gypsy. 

Ethel. But we didn't call her — 

Elsie. She just came. 

Clare. But Miss Carter had warned you against them. 

Ethel. She hadn't told us not to speak to one. 

Elsie. Especially if she came in the gate without any- 
one seeing her. 

Charlotte. Oh — so she came in the gate, did she? 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 29 

Ethel. Of course she did. 

Irene. And why didn't you tell her to go ? 

Elsie. Because we wanted our palms read. 

Clare. Even when Miss Carter had asked us all not to 
have anything to do with these gypsies? 

Ethel. Oh, we didn't mean to disobey. 

Clare. After she had told your fortunes did you send 
her away? 

Elsie. She didn't tell Beth's fortune. 

Irene. Why? 

Elsie. Beth was afraid — and anyway, she felt that Miss 
Carter wouldn't approve. 

Charlotte. And she certainly would not. 

Ethel. And the gypsy was angry with her. (IVailingly.) 
Oh, Elsie, do you suppose that Beth — that the gypsy — oh, it 
couldn't be so ! 

Charlotte. Then there's some more to the story, is 
there ? 

Clare. Ethel, tell us quickly what happened. 

Ethel. Nothing happened. But as the gypsy was going 
out of the gate — (hesitates) 

Irene (impatiently) . Go on — 

Ethel. She turned to Beth — and she said that something 
would happen to her — that — 

Clare. Why didn't you tell us that at first — why didn't 
you? 

Ethel. How could we think that it had anything to do 
with Beth's absence? Why, we never thought anything — 
and — oh, Clare — do you think that she's really stolen f 

Miss Carter enters from L. 2 E. 

Clare. I don't know what to think. (Rises.) Anyway, 
I must tell Miss Carter immediately. 

Miss Carter. Tell me — what? (The girls rise.) 

Clare. Something about Beth. (As she notes Miss 
Carter's worried expression.) Oh, Miss Carter — what is 
the matter? (Goes to her.) 

Miss Carter. I've just discovered that Beth never ar- 
rived at the Smith's. 

Irene. Oh! (Crosses to her.) 



30 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Miss Carter. And no one h^s seen her — or knows of her 
{Glancing around.) Who has something to tell? 
(Ethel and Elsie stand speechless >) 

Charlotte {crossing to Miss Carter). Miss Carter — 
this afternoon a gypsy came — here. 

Miss Carter. A gypsy ? 

Ethel. Oh, Miss Carter, we didn't mean to disobey. 

Elsie. We just thought it would be fun to have our for- 
tunes told — 

MisS Carter. Yes — yes — but what about Beth? 
' Charlotte. Beth wouldn't go near her. She felt that 
you wouldn't approve. 

Miss Carter. And what happened? 

Charlotte. The gypsy became angry and threatened 
her. 

Miss Carter. Threatened her? 

Charlotte. Told her that something would happen. 

Irene. But nothing could happen — here — and they 
couldn't have stolen her in broad daylight, could they? 

Ethel. Oh, Miss Carter, Miss Carter, can you ever for- 
give us? 

Elsie. For we'll never forgive ourselves. {They run to 
her.) 

Miss Carter {pushing them azuay.) There isn't time to 
discuss — that — girls. What we want to do is to find Beth. 
Who was with her last? 

Ethel {as she and Elsie rejoin Olive at R.). We left 
her — here — just before supper. She said she would -hurry 
back — 

Miss Carter {interrupting). Just the three of you were 
here ? 

Ethel. Just the three of us. 

Elsie {suddenly). There was Mandy. 

Ethel. Oh, yes— Mandy. 

Miss Carter. Where is Mandy? 

Olive. She's washing dishes — and acting queer. 

Charlotte. Queer ? 

Olive. Scared to death about something. 

Miss Carter {as she crosses to R.) Olive, will you ask 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 31 

her to come to me — immediately? (Olive goes out L. 2 E.) 

Clare. Surely Mandy would have told us if she had 
known anything. 

Irene. Unless, in some way, it conflicted with her idea 
of good luck. 

Ethel. But, Miss Carter, we were here with Beth at the 
same time Mandy was. She won't know any more than we. 

Miss Carter. At any rate, we'll see. How long has 
Beth been gone? 

Ethel. Let me see. It was just before supper — and we 
had early supper — and then we changed into our Indian 
dresses. Why, it must be almost an hour and a half. 

And just here Olive enters, struggling with a refractory 
Mandy. 

Olive. Here she is. Miss Carter — and she didn't want 
to come a bit. (Pushes her to Miss Carter and stands mith 
Clare and Irene.) 

Mandy. I don' know nothin', Miss Cyahtah — I don' 
know nothin'. 

Miss Carter. Then it won't take you long to answer my 
questions. (Pauses.) Were you here with Miss Beth after 
the other girls left her? 

Mandy, Yas'm. 

Miss Carter. What happened after that? 

Mandy (sulkily). Nothin' happened. Miss Beth done 
start atter de eggs. 

Miss Carter. Did you say anything to her? 

Mandy. I gib her de flash light. 

Miss Carter. What flash light ? 

Mandy. Her flash light what wuz los'. I foun' it under 
de lilac bush. 

Miss Carter. And then — 

Mandy. What fur you ask me denf I tol' you she done 
gone atter de eggs. 

Miss Carter. And I don't think you are telling me every- 
thing you know. 

Mandy (excitedly). I is — I is — 

Miss Carter. Be very careful, Mandy. If you know 



32 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

anything about Miss Beth and you keep it from us, you're 
going to suffer. 

Mandy (wildly). Miss Cyahtah, dey will git me ef I 
tell ! 

Miss Carter. Who'll get you ? 

Mandy. De gypsies. 

Miss Carter. The gypsies f (Shakes Mandy.) Tell 
me — where were the gypsies? 

Mandy. Here — right here. (Wildly.) She'll git me ef 
I tell! 

Miss Carter. She'll not get you — I promise. Now quiet 
down and tell me just what happened. 

Mandy. Miss Beth an' me wuz talkin' — here (points) 
about de flash light — an' 'fore we knowed what wuz hap- 
penin' one uv de gypsies grabbed me an' two uv dem grabbed 
Miss Beth. 

Miss Carter. Two of them ! 

Mandy. An' while de gypsy tell me to be quiet an' dat 
somethin' gwine happen ef I tell — de udder gypsies whisk 
Miss Beth clear 'way. 

Miss Carter. And you didn't see her again ? 

Mandy. I didn't see her no mo'. When de gypsy let 
me go I runned in de house. 

Clare. Miss Carter, do you think that a stray gypsy 
would dare do a thing like this — on so slight a provocation ? 

Miss Carter. I hardly know what to think, but I shall 
go immediately to the gypsy camp and investigate. (To 
Mandy.) That will do, Mandy — go back into the house 
until we need you. (Turns to Ethel.) Can you identify 
the gypsy, Ethel? (Mandy withdraws reluctantly at L. 2 
E.) 

Ethel. Oh, I'm sure that I could. 

Elsie (wailing). It's all our fault — it's all our fault! 

Elm A appears at L. 

Miss Carter. Then listen. Clare, will you ask Miss Jane 
to see that a search party is organized? (Clare nods.) 
Ethel and I shall go to the camp — and, Charlotte, you may 
go with us — while Olive and — 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 33 

Elm A (running to gate). Miss Carter! Miss Carter! 

Miss Carter. Elma? (As Elma starts to speak.) I 
haven't time to talk to you, my dear. Beth is lost and 
{starts to gate, followed by Ethel and Charlotte). 

Elma. Oh, I know — I know — that's why we're here. 

Hazel and Nita come timidly from L. and join her at 
gate. 

Miss Carter. And we're on our way to the gypsy camp, 
for we've every reason to believe that some gypsies are re- 
sponsible for her disappearance. 

Elma. Miss Carter, please don't be cross with us — please 
don't — for we were the gypsies. 

Miss Carter. You were the gypsies? I don't under- 
stand. 

Elma. We dressed as gypsies — because Beth had said 
that they scared her — and then we blindfolded her — and 
made the little darkey promise she wouldn't tell. It was a 
joke — really it was! 

Miss Carter. Then where is Beth? 

Elma. That's the dreadful part — for we don't know. 

Miss Carter. Tell me about it — quickly. 

Elma. This afternoon I made a wager with Beth that 
even the Camp Fire couldn't keep her from being scared — 
and she took it. 

Miss Carter (opening the gate and pushing the three 
girls into the yard). Why should you make such a wager? 
(Charlotte and Ethel come down stage to L. 2 E., while 
Clare and Irene cross to R.) 

Elma (as she and Miss Carter stand at C). Because 
she had owned up to being a coward — and had said that the 
Camp Fire would help her face the first emergency that 
came her way. (Hazel and Nita stand at Miss Carter's 
left.) 

Miss Carter. And you dared to do a thing like this? 

Elma. I never dreamed it would end like this — I thought 
it would be a good joke. 

Miss Carter. To frighten her — perhaps so seriously that 
it would result in an illness? That is not my idea of a joke. 

Hazel. I didn't want to do it — I really didn't. 



34 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

NiTA. But Elma made us aj;id — 

Miss Carter. You are all to blame. Where did you take 
her? 

Elma. To the cave. 

Miss Carter. What cave? 

Elma. The one just up the road a bit. 

Clare. It's on Miss Jane's land, Miss Carter. You re- 
member. 

Miss Carter. Then why haven't you released her? 

Elma. Because — because — oh — oh — she isn't there ! 

Miss Carter (after a pause). What do you mean? 

Hazel. After we put her in the cave we fastened the 
door — 

NiTA. It's an old wooden door and latches on the outside. 

Hazel. Went back to the hotel, took off our gypsy 
dresses, hurried through our dinner, ran off to the cave — 
and — 

Miss Carter (sharply). Yes? 

Hazel. When we opened the door — she wasn't there. 

Elma. She couldn't* h^ve escaped. Miss Carter — for the 
door can't be opened from the inside. 

Miss Carter. And knowing this — you left that child — 
alone — frightened. (Angrily.) Oh, I have no words to tell 
you how angry I am ! 

Elma. But we're sorry — so sorry — and — 

Miss Carter. Does that bring her back? And how do 
you know that she hasn't been suffocated in that cave? No 
air, no light — 

Miss Jane zi4io in the meantime has entered from L. 
2 E. 

Miss Jane. Of what cave are you speaking. Miss Carter? 

Miss Carter. The cave up the road. 

Clare. On your land, Miss Jane. 

Irene. Beth was left there — as a practical joke — and 
now she has disappeared. 

Miss Jane. But she couldn't disappear if the door were 
latched, for there is no other exit or entrance. She is hid- 
ing from you. 

Miss Carter. And in that stifling air — oh! 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 35 

Miss Jane. But it isn't stifling, Miss Carter. It was my 
brother's playhouse — and in some way or other my father 
arranged that there should always be a current of air. Don't 
worry about that. 

Miss Carter. But where can she be ? 

Miss Jane. Why, she must be there. (To Elm a.) Did 
you look carefully? 

Elma. We couldn't have missed her — it is such a little 
place. And, anyway, the door was latched just as we had 
left it. 

Irene (zvho, zvith Clare, Elsie and Olive has been 
standing up R.). Listen — everybody! Don't you hear a 
queer, queer sound? 

Miss Carter (after a pause). I don't hear anything. 

Irene. You're too far away, perhaps. (Miss Carter 
crosses to her.) It's a sort of muffled pounding. There! 
(And sure enough there is a sort of imiMcd pounding.) 

Clare. Where can it be ? There's, nothing around here 
to pound. 

Irene. The summer house. 

Clare. But nobody could pound the summer house with- 
out being seen. 

Irene. Maybe it's Mandy's spirits. (And again the muf- 
fled pounding.) 

Miss Carter. I hear it now. 

Ethel. Oh, dear ! I'm frightened — it all seems so very 
strange. 

Elsie (crossing to L.) It's getting darker, too. (As she 
takes Ethel's hand.) You don't mind if I hold your hand, 
do you? 

Charlotte. Aren't we wasting time? I'm not so inter- 
ested in the noise as in finding Beth. 

Miss Carter (turning). We are wasting time. Miss 
Jane, can we organize a search party right away? Char- 
lotte, will you and Olive thoroughly examine the cave? 
And— 

Ethel. Please give us something to do. 

Elma. And us. 

Clare (coldly). You've done quite enough as it is. 



36 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Irene. Thanks to your meddling, Beth is lost. 

Elsie. Please don't say lost — she can't be lost. 

Olive. Cheer up, all of you. It isn't so bad as you think 
— and when- you least expect her she'll suddenly appear, safe 
and sound. 

And, as if in direct ansiver to these words of cheer, the 
floor of the summer house sloidy, zveirdly and mysteriously 
rises, while into the aperture comes Beth's head and shoul- 
ders. 

Miss Carter. Beth! Beth! (Rushes to her.) 

Beth (smiling calmly). My — but I thought I'd never 
get that old trap door to move. Didn't you all hear me 
pounding? 

(Afid the Camp Fire girls, crowding around her, help her 
to her feet and follozv her as she zvalks to the front of the 
stage, supported by Miss Carter^ zvith endless questions, 
such as, "What does it all mean?" "Where have you been?" 
"Were you hiding from iisf" "Hozu did you knozv there 
was a place under the summer house f and "Tell us every- 
thing — everything." Elm a. Hazel and Nita, a bit abashed, 
very much agitated, stand by the tree. Beth is very dis- 
heveled, her hair is awry; in one hand she carries the flash 
light and in the other a small black box.) 

Beth (as she spies Elma, Hazel and Nita). Come 
along, girls ! I don't feel cross with you in spite of the joke 
you played upon me. 

Elma (as they come doztm L.). You knew who we were? 

Beth. Not until you shoved me into the cave and took 
oflf my bandage. Then I caught a glimpse of Elma's ring — 
my ring, I should say — and I knew it was all to scare me. 

Elma. Oh, Beth, I'm so sorry — so very sorry — 

Hazel. And so am I — 

NiTA. And if I had known- that all this would happen, 
I never, never would have done it. 

Beth. Don't apologize, please. For if it hadn't been for 
you three people, I never could have had my big adventure. 

Miss Carter. Tell us about it, my dear — if you're not 
too tired. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 37 

Beth. Tired! I never felt better in my life. 

Miss Carter. But you're excited. 

Beth. Of course I am. {As she sees Miss Jane, who is 
standing by the chair.) Here's something for you. (And 
Miss Jane opens the box and stands looking at the contents 
in a dazed way.) Tell me — what is it? 

Miss Jane. My mother's wedding pearls. 

Beth {clapping her hands). Then it's true — it's true. 
Oh, Miss Carter, Miss Carter, wouldn't you be excited, too, 
if you'd found the treasure — if you'd been all through the 
secret passage from its very beginning to its very end? 

Clare. Beth, you don't mean to say that you've really 
found it — really? 

Beth. Oh, but I do. Let me tell you all about it — for 
I'll never again in all my life have anything so thrilling to 
relate. 

{And she sits at front of stage, Miss Carter to her right, 
Ethel and Elsie to her left, Charlotte and Olive to Miss 
Carter's right, Clare and Irene half kneeling back of her. 
Miss Jane, as if bewildered, drops into the rustic chair zvith 
the three trespassers from the hotel at her feet.) 

Beth. You know all about my kidnapping, don't you? 

Elma. Oh, Beth, the more I think about that, the more 
dreadful it seems. 

Beth. But I'm grateful to you — really I am. 

Ethel {impatiently) . Oh, go on with the story. 

Beth. After the girls pushed me into the cave and locked 
the door, I was too frightened to move — yes, I was. 

Elsie. I don't wonder. 

Beth. It was so dark — and quiet — and so full of funny 
little noises. 

Olive. Ugh! 

Beth. And I was afraid to use my flash light — for I 
didn't know zvhat was in the place. 

Miss Carter. How did you happen to have your flash 
light? 

Beth. Mandy had just given it to me when the girls 
kidnapped me. If I hadn't had it I never could have done 



38 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

what I did. (Reflectively.) m I'll never part with this old 
flash light — never. 

Charlotte. Oh, go on — go on ! 

Beth. Well, finally I screwed up my courage and peeked 
into every corner. {Turns.) Miss Carter, it was dreadfully 
hard for me to do it — why I can't tell you how hard. I 
really suffered. 

Miss Carter. Of course you did — but you were a brave 
girl through it all. 

Beth. Do you know what made me brave? 

Miss Carter. The bravery was there all the time, my 
dear. 

Beth. Oh, no it wasn't. But there, in the dark, all by 
myself, I began to realize just what I had to do with no- 
body to help me. And I knew that if I was to be true to 
Camp Fire teachings, I must stick it out and live up to my" 
Indian name. 

Miss Carter. And you did. 

Beth. I sat there for an hour by my watch — hoping that 
somebody would find me — or that the girls would come 
back. ^ • 

Ethel. / should have been frightened to death. 

Beth. I wasn't — truly I wasn't. Doesn't it seem strange 
when I've always been such a coward ? 

Elsie. It seems — wonderful. 

Beth. And finally — when nobody came — I felt as if I had 
to find a way out. So I took my flash light and went all 
around the cave, step by step, wondering if there could pos- 
sibly be a door or a passageway. {Pauses.) And then — 

Irene {eagerly). Yes? 

Beth. Someway or other I tripped and fell with all my 
might against that piece of rock that juts out. I felt it give 
way — then there was a dreadful rush of cold air — and when 
I flashed my light I saw a big opening. 

Clare. What was it? And how did it get there? 

Beth. The big piece of rock had been a sort of door— 
I could see where the mortar had held it — and it was prcb-" 
ably just about to fall away when I gave it a jolt. {Pauses.) 



HOW BETH WON THE CAaH^ l-ikE HONOR 39 

And when I looked into the opening I saw that it led to a 
passage high enough for me to walk — 

Charlotte. What did you think? 

Beth. That I had found the secret passage — and that I 
must also find the treasure. Then I forgot even to think 
of being afraid and walked right in. 

Miss Carter. And do you remember saying that, if you 
should chance upon the passage, you'd never have courage' 
to stir a foot? 

Beth {laughing). Of course I do. And there were rats 
— plenty of them — 

Olive. Oh, Beth! 

Beth. And it w^as damp and cold, and in lots of places 
the sand had fallen in little heaps so that I had to go very 
slowly. 

Ethel. It sounds like a fairy story. 

Beth. There were no fairies in this passage. Maybe 
the earth elves and the gnomes had driven them away. 

Elsie. Ethel, you're interrupting the story. What did 
you do next, Beth? 

Beth. \Vell, I went on and on until I came to a place 
where the passage widened into a little room. And there 
I saw the treasure — all done up in bags and boxes. 

Clare. What did you think when you saw it ? 

Beth. I first thought of Miss Jane, and then I thought 
that this had been my chance to meet my emergency as a 
true Camp Fire girl should. (Pauses.) And I'm very sure 
that — never again — shall I be a coward. 

Miss Jane. Do you realize, my dear, just what you have 
done for me? (Holds up box.) This means a future instead 
of a struggle. 

Beth. And it's made me so happy to be able to do just 
what I was wishing for only this afternoon. I wonder what 
gave me the opportunity. Was it luck — or chance — 

Miss Jane. Or Providence ? Providence, my dear. 

Irene. You haven't finished the story, Beth. 

Beth. Where was I? Oh, yes — the little room with the 
treasure. Well, I stopped long enough to open one of the 
bags — and it did have silver — and to snatch up the little box 



40 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

for Miss Jane. {Mischicvouslyk) I thought, too, that it 
would prove to you that I wasn't making up my story. 

Charlotte. Oh, do go on. 

Beth. Well, after that, I came to what seemed the end 
of the passage — with no sign of a door. And I had just 
about decided to go 'way back to the cave, when I saw some- 
thing above me that looked like boards. So I went back 
and dragged in a box until I could shove it on a lot of sand. 
By climbing on the box I could reach the boards — 

Olive. Which proved to be the summer house? 

Beth. A trap door in the summer house. The hook was 
so rusty that I could hardly push it — and after I did get it 
through, the trap door stuck. So I pounded and pounded 
until it gave way — 

Ethel. Then you came out like a Jack-in-the-Box ! 

Miss Jane. More like a good fairy. 

Elsie {laughing as she touches the grimy blouse). In 
disguise. 

Miss Jane. Unselfishness and endeavor for others can 
never be disguised. 

Beth. And that's the end of my story. (Pauses.) And 
now that the excitement and the thrills are all over, I begin 
to feel very tired — and hungry. 

Miss Jane (rising). In that case you shall be served 
with the very nicest dishes that cook can produce. (Pauses.) 
And again — I am very grateful to you, my dear. (Goes off 
at L. 2 E.) 

]\Iiss. Carter. And Fm very proud of you. 

Beth. Then that makes me — oh, so happy. (Rises.) I'll 
tidy up a bit and get into my Indian dress. 

Elma (rising). Wait, Beth — just a minute before you 
go. (Takes off the ring.) Here's your ring. (Holds it out.) 

Beth. You really want me to have it? 

Elma. You've won it. 

Beth. But still— 

Elma. And I shall be truly proud to see you wear it. 

Beth. Then I'll wear it. (Slips it on her finger.) And 
if I ever again feel the least bit afraid, the sight of it will 
brace me up and make me remember. 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP Fn%E HONOR 41 

Hazel. If the Camp Fire can do tJiat for a person — it's 
very wonderful. 

NiTA. And it helps in so many other ways, doesn't it? 

Clare, It helps us — in every way. 

El MA. By making you brave — 

Hazel. And self-reliant. 

NiTA. And worth while. 

Elma (after a moment's hesitation). Miss Carter? 

Miss Carter. Yes? 

Elma. We've been thinking — and talking together — the 
three of us — and we have agreed that we shou'd like to be 
Camp Fire girls, too. 

Elsie. Really ? 

Ethel (clapping her hands). Oh, how splendid! 

Elma. So — will you take us in ? 

Miss Carter. Will I take you in? My dear girls, it 
would give me the greatest happiness — but — 

Hazel. Oh, Miss Carter, does there have to be a hut in it? 

Elma (anxiously). But — zvhatf 

Miss Carter. We have work to do in the Camp Fire. 
It isn't all play. 

NiTA. That doesn't frighten us — for we think we need 
work. 

Miss Carter. And we aren't fashion plates. 

Hazel. That doesn't matter. 

Miss Carter. And our Camp Fire means so much to us 
that we are not willing to share it except with those who 
will love it for its own sake. 

Elma. That's what we wish to do — what we'll try to do. 

Miss Carter. Then I'll bid you welcome — we'll all bid 
you welcome — won't we, girls? 

Clare. More than welcome. (And with expressions of 
delight the Camp Fire girls crowd around the three as they 
stand at L. 2 E.) 

Hazel. Then it's all settled and we'll be over bright and 
early in the morning. (As they move to gate.) Good night, 
everybody. And have a good rest, Beth. 

NiTA. Don't dream of gypsies — 



42 HOW BETH WON THE CAMP FIRE HONOR 

Elma. Even if we did do ouj best to make a nightmare 
for yovi. 

Beth. Just to prove that gypsies are a thing of the past, 
and that I don't intend to have a nightmare, I'll escort you 
to the gate and be the last one to tell you how glad we are 
to have you in the Camp Fire. {The four walk slowly to the 
gate and stand there talking together.) 

Miss Carter. Girls — there is something I want to say to 
you — and something I must say quickly. {She stands in 
front of summer house. Instinctively Clare, Irene and 
Olive group themselves at her right, with Ethel, Elsie 
and Charlotte at her left.) Later on in the summer, after 
our splendid holiday of work and pleasure, I planned to 
bestow the four honors of which I spoke this afternoon. 
Something has happened since — something which has given 
us a real example of courage in spite of timidity ; something 
which stands for true effort, true achievement. 

Clare. You mean Beth, of course. 

Miss Carter. I mean Beth. And this is what I ask you. 
— that now, when the significance of her efifort is fresh in 
our minds, you permit me to grant the honor — Uta — to one 
who has truly won it. 

Clare. Oh, Miss Carter, we'd love it. {And, in the 
meantime Beth has waved goodbye as the three girls go off 
at L., and has come slowly down L.) 

Beth {as she sees the girls). Oh, dear — have you be- 
gun ? Can't you wait until I put on my Indian dress ? 

Miss Carter. We'd rather have you just as you are, 
Beth. For, at the present moment, you represent true 
achievement ; an achievement which has brought you a per- 
sonal victory — which has given to another, help and encour- 
agement. What has it meant to you, Beth? 

Beth. Such a happiness. Miss Carter, since I have been 
able to find the treasure. I shall never forget it. And an- 
other happiness, too. For I have conquered the greatest 
enemy I ever had — the enemy, Fear. And that's worth a 
great deal. Miss Carter. 

Miss Carter. It is worth everything, Beth. For such 
a victory is gained only through effort — and effort means 



HOW BETH WON THE CAMP VIRE HONOR 43 

perseverance and persistency and forgetfulness of self. 
^'our effort has been doubly worthy — for it has been made 
not only in behalf of another, but in the face of obstacles. 
To every Camp Fire girl there is a certain honor greatly-to- 
be-desired, faithfully-to-be-sought, victoriously-to-be- won. 
Such an honor is called Uta — and it comes to the one who 
has experienced the struggle, the obstacles, the discourage- 
ment and the final triumph of effort. (Pauses.) Lexse — 
Clover — will you come forward? (And as Beth walks 
slowly to her, the eiirtaiu falls.) 

Curtain. 



The Gall of Wohelo 

By LINDSEY BARBEE. 
Price, 25«Cents 

A comedy drama in 3 acts; 10 females. Time, 1% hours. 
Scene: 1 exterior. Characters: Ellen Ferris, Guardian of the 
Camp. Mrs. Vale, Camp mother. Blue Bird (Owaissa — Blue Bird), 
her young daughter. Wah-wah-taysee (Firefly), an Indian girl. 
Sylvia (Wayaka — See Beauty), a Camp "Misrtt." Amy (Kee-wee — 
Rainbow Maid), a Torch Bearer. Marian (Disyadi — Moon Maid). A 
Fire Maker. Emily (Minnehaha — Laughing Water), a Wood 
Gatherer. Constance (Gaoh — Spirit of the Wind), a Wood Gatherer. 
Dorothy (To-he-ha — Humming Bird), a Wood Gatherer. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Blue Bird runs errands for the busy Camp Fire girls, 
among whom Sylvia alone is idle. Sylvia is declared a Camp 
"misfit," and Miss Ferris decides to make one last effort to interest 
her in Camp Fire life. A visitor, Miss Marshall, a noted Camp 
Fire worker, is promised and Amy tells a ghost story in which sbp 
herself is heroine. Wah-wah-taysee chants magic words anil 
Sylvia promises to seek "the treasure." 

Act II. — Under Wah-wah-taysee's tutelage, Sylvia becomes a 
very different girl, but the intimacy with the Indian girl brings 
criticism from her Camp Fire friends. The mention of Amy's ghost 
produces peals of laughter, for constant watching has failed to 
detect "The Lady in White." Miss Ferris announces that Mis.*^ 
Marshall will be present at the Council Fire. Amy persuades Marian 
and Sylvia to keep a last vigil for the ghost and they consent 
Constance's money disappears and suspicion tvirns to the Indian 
Wah-wah-taysee sends a message. The ghost proves something i t 
a sensation. 

Act III. — The Council Fire. Miss Marshall and the Indian are 
discovered to be the same. Wah-wah-taysee tells her story and 
Sylvia is admitted to the rank of Wood Gatherer. 

The Whole Truth 

By L5NDSEY BARBEE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy; 5 males, 4 females. Time, 40 minutes. At a dinner 
party on Midsummer Eve, a wisli is made that each guest for the 
evening speaks notliing but the truth. Comolexitics arise, difficul- 
ties are straightened, the bogus Engli.«h lord is unmasked and the 
mystery of the heiress is solved. Clever and humorous. 



Her First Scoop 

By LINDSEY BARBEE. 
Price, 15 Cents 

Comedy; 1 male, 2 females. Time, 45 minutes. A young news- 
paper woman, through nerve and clever strategy gains a coveted 
interview, thereby beating the rival papers with a story of special 
interest, which in a newspaper office is known as a "scoop." The 
parley of wit and the scintillating dialogue will charm and delight. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



\i& 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Larse Catalogue Free 



FARCES, COMEDIETAS. Etc 
Price 25 Cents Eacli 

M. F. 

All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 
Aunt Harriet's Night Out, 35 

min 1 2 

Aunt Matilda's Birthday Party, 

35 min 11 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 30 min... 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon. 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 
Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Class Ship, 35 min 3 8 

Divided Attentions, 35 min... 1 4 

Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 

Getting Rid of Father, 20 min. 3 1 

Goose Creek Line, 1 hr 3 10 

Great Pumpkin Case, 35 min.. 12 

Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 

Honest Peggy, 25 min 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Just Like a Woman, 35 min... 3 3 

Last Rehearsal, 25 min 2 3 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min.... 8 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 8 

Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 2 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Paper Wedding, 30 min 1 5 

Pat's Matrimonial ^'enture, 25 

min 1 2 

Patsy Q'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 

Sewing for the Heathen, 40 

min 9 

Shadows, 35 min 3 4 

Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 7 

Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 
Teacher Kin I Go Home, 35 

min 7 3 

Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min. , 3 6 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min . . 8 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min.. 3 2 

Wanted: a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 
Watch, a Wallet, and a Jack of 

Spades, 40 min 3 6 

Whole Truth. 40 min 5 4 

Who's the Boss? 30 min 3 6 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Baby, 25 min 8 

FARCES, COIMEDIETAS. Etc 
Price 15 Cents Eacli. 

April Fools, 30 min . 3 

Assessor, The, 15 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 
Before the Pjay Begins, 15 

min 2 1 

Billy's Mishaps, 20 min 2 3 

Country Justice, IS min 8 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 25 m. 3 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 

F«r Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 

Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 



M. F. 

6 

8 

5 1 
3 4 
1 1 

6 2 

1 1 

2 2 
1 1 

3 2 
4 

2 

1 1 



Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 
Kansas Innuigrants, 20 min... 
Lottie Sees It Through, 35 min. 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 
Please Pass the (ream, 20 min. 
Second Childhood. 15 min.... 
Smith's Unlucky Day, 20 min.. 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 
Two Gentlemen iri a Fix. 15 m. 
Wanted: A Hero, 20 min 

VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES 
Price 25 Cents Eacit 

Amateur, 15 min 1 1 

At Harmony Junction, 20 min. 4 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 1 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

It Might Happen, 20 min 1 1 

Little Miss Enemy, 15 min.... 1 1 
Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 
Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10m. 1 
Quick Lunch Cabaret, 20 min.. 4 

Si and I, 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Street Faker, 15 min. 3 

Such Ignorance, 15 min 2 

Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. I 1 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 
Umbrella Mender, 15 min.... 2 
Vait a Minute 2 

BLACK-FACE PLAYS 
Price 15 Cents Eacli 

Axin' Her Father, 25 min 2 3 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 

min .10 

Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 
Coon Creek Courtship, 15 m... 1 1 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m. 14 
Darktown Fire Brigade, 25m.. 10 
Good Mornin' Judge, 35 min.. 9 2 

Hungry, 1 5 min 2 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 

Memphis Mose, 25 rain 5^1 

Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 2 

Troubled bv Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
What Happened to Hannah, 15 

min I 1 

A grreat number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found iiere are listed in 

Denlson's Catalogue 



T,S.DEN!SON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicaso 



POPULAR ENTERTAI 

Illustrated Papei 




IN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper; 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
er design. 
A Partial List 

DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Brand new, original. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country sciiools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 60,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For put)ils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 




^Monoruyi 

^ Dramatic and humOTouar 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry. 15 Nos. 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Christmas Entertainer. 

Novel and diversified. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exercises, recitations. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletlde Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

The Biack-Face Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags, etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers,154W. Randolph St. . Chicago 



